toothpaste for Sjogren's?

[Friedbrain]

I was wondering if there are certain toothpastes that you use to help reduce side effects of dry mouth.  Before I officially was diagnosed with Sjogren's, I had a dentist tell me that she noticed dental signs of dry mouth (I don't remember what they were) and that I should use a special toothpaste.  I said sure, whatever, not really paying attention.....until I got home and realized she'd given me a $10 tube of special toothpaste.  I was kinda outraged at the time, thinking it was a scam.   However, I've been using it since diagnosis and am now almost out.  I don't know if it's helped at all, so not sure whether it's worth the extra money getting more.

Anyone know?  Are there toothpastes that, when used at night, help reduce side effects of dry mouth?  I don't have mouth pain or sensitivity (well, I always say I don't have pain but I'm also on 150mg lyrica a day, so who knows what hurts!), so it's not like I *feel* a need for special toothpaste, but preventative is probably a good idea and worth it if it's effective.

Thanks!

[Velcro]

I use the Biotene brand for dry mouth.  Regular price it runs about $7-$8 dollars, but I catch it on sale for $5-$6.

[Friedbrain]

Oh, you're awesome!  I'd never heard about it but a quick google shows the "Dry Mouth" variety is on sale right now at Walgreens!  Woohoo, now on my list of errands to run.  Thanks!!

[4Kids]

You probably need some Salagen (dry mouth med to make more saliva) and some xylitol melts which have enzymes to help protect teeth. Brush, brush, brush and floss constantly.  I use Saliva Sure Xylitol lozenges to help with the teeth.

[LadyDi]

My dentist prescribed a toothpaste for me that is called PreviDent 5000. It contains 1.1% fluoride and it is formulated specifically for dry mouth. I also use something called NeutraSal, which is also a script. It is a calcium phosphate mouth rinse that gives the the teeth what is lacking when one has little or poor quality saliva. I also take Evoxac which helps with salivary gland function, therefore producing more saliva.

It gets expensive, but I am determined to keep my teeth at all costs for as long as I can.
Good luck.

[Cassi307]

You probably need some Salagen (dry mouth med to make more saliva) and some xylitol melts which have enzymes to help protect teeth. Brush, brush, brush and floss constantly.  I use Saliva Sure Xylitol lozenges to help with the teeth.

Are the xilitol melts an rx item?

[lighthouse33]

You can find the Saliva Sure lozenges on websites like dentist.net or Amazon.  I use them too.

I just ran across this article online:

Study: Xylitol lozenges aid in caries prevention:

drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=hyg&pag=dis&ItemID=313166

Nonetheless, Dr. Ritter remains confident there is a role for xylitol in dentistry. "The takeaway is clear: Daily use of xylitol lozenges can help prevent root caries in adults," he stated. "This is a powerful message to those of us who struggle to treat this increasingly prevalent and potentially damaging (at a tooth level) condition."

"But given their low cost, low risk, and ease of use, we believe our results support the clinical recommendation that patients use xylitol lozenges to help prevent root caries," he said.

[SjoGirl]

My dentist gave me Flouridex which is $16 a tube, but lasts a long long time as you don't use much. Like the other one menitoned it has flouride. It was very helpful.

[jazzlover]

I am allergic to fluoride so I use NOW brand. I love it.

[gold55]

Isn't there a clear coating they can paint over the teeth that is flouride?  I started Salagen but I'm not sure I'm seeing total effects yet.....of course I started with less of the dosage.

[lighthouse33]

Isn't there a clear coating they can paint over the teeth that is flouride?  I started Salagen but I'm not sure I'm seeing total effects yet.....of course I started with less of the dosage.

Are you talking about a flouride varnish?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoride_varnish

[jazzlover]

Fluoride is a poison.

[myjade84]

I am using Biotene as well and it's okay for me.

[stillinshockwithsjogrens]

I use Biotene PBF toothpaste, then Biotene 0ral Rinse (NOT MOUTHWASH...the Oral Rinse helps lubricate the mouth); then the Biotene Oral Gel, then Xylimelts, all right before hitting the sack! 

With the humidifier on while sleeping.

Oh, and the evoxac before that whole regimen!

Not to forget the Refresh Ointment on the eyelash line, Refresh drops, and Aquaphor on the lips.

And Saline Nose Rinse before any of that!

Sounds like a lot to do before bedtime, but it all takes several minutes.

[warmwaters]

I use Biotene toothpaste - it seems to stimulate saliva production as I'm brushing (though not in any longer term way).